“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”– John 20:31 (KJV)
“But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”– John 20:31 (NLT)
“But these are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you will have life in his name.”– John 20:31 (MSG)
What Does John 20:31 Mean?
John 20:31 holds a significant place in the Gospel of John, summarizing its core purpose. This verse serves as an invitation to all of us, offering a clear understanding of why the events and teachings of Jesus have been documented. It states that the writings aim to foster belief in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. When we accept this belief, we gain access to life through His name.
Belief is more than just agreeing with a set of facts. It requires commitment, an act of trust in Jesus as our Savior. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He demonstrated His divine nature and connection to God. In affirming Jesus’ messianic identity, we acknowledge our need for redemption and the hope offered through faith in Him. This belief is central to our relationship with Christ and is a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation.
John 20:31 Explanation and Commentary
This verse serves as an excellent summary of John’s Gospel, which is unlike the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s account emphasizes who Jesus is and what He came to do. Right from the very beginning, we can see that John’s focus is on the relationship between Jesus and the Father. He opens with a bold declaration of Jesus’ divine nature, stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
The phrase “these are written” brings our attention to the significance of the recorded miracles and teachings of Jesus. Each event is a piece of evidence that points toward His true identity and mission. For instance, we recall the story of Lazarus, where Jesus showed His power over death (John 11:1-44). This miracle serves as an invitation for us to believe in His power and authority.
Acceptance of Jesus’ messianic claims is transformative. As we come to believe, we enter a new realm of existence characterized by inherited life. This life is not just earthly or physical but carries eternal significance and a new relationship with God. Our belief should move us to an active and vibrant faith, motivating us to live out our lives in accordance with God’s will and purpose.
John 20:31 invites us to embrace the reality of who Jesus is. Knowing Him means more than intellectual acknowledgment; it requires a personal connection and transformational faith. It challenges us to reflect on our beliefs and consider how they shape our lives. Just as the early believers experienced Jesus firsthand, we too can experience Him through prayer, worship, and study of scripture.
Context of John 20:31
The context behind John 20:31 is essential to understanding its full meaning. The Gospel of John was written towards the end of the first century, a time when many were questioning Jesus’ divinity and the authenticity of His resurrection. The early church faced challenges and skepticism from both outside and within. John emphasizes that his writings are intended to affirm, strengthen, and encourage believers in their faith.
John goes to great lengths to provide evidence of Jesus’ miracles and teachings. In the preceding verses, the resurrection of Jesus becomes a focal point, where disbelief was initially met with evidence and reassurance (John 20:24-29). This sets the stage for believers to trust in the risen Christ. The mission is clear: belief leads to spiritual life, and spiritual life impacts our relationships with God and those around us.
The context also underscores the relationship between faith and life. Throughout John’s Gospel, we encounter various themes revolving around life—eternal life, life as a gift, and abundant life. The call against disbelief and towards faith brings us right back to Jesus’ purpose: to offer us true life through Him.
In our own spiritual journey, the context of this passage invites us to examine our beliefs. Are we living an abundant life in Christ? Is our faith as strong as it could be? As we increasingly understand who Jesus is, we can positively impact our community, reflecting His love and truth to those around us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:31
When we break down this verse into key parts, we gain deeper insights into its meaning. Springing from the words “But these are written,” we reflect on the purpose of John’s writing. Each story, miracle, and teaching is part of a grand narrative aimed at highlighting Jesus’ identity. We should consider what it means for us to know these accounts and how they inspire our faith.
The phrase “believe that Jesus is the Christ” places the onus on us. Our belief in Jesus is a deliberate action that requires our engagement. We cannot simply cruise through life without evaluating what we believe. This call is a reminder to align ourselves with the truth of scripture, leading us to follow Christ more closely.
Furthermore, the connection made between belief and life emphasizes the importance of living out our faith. It’s a compelling invitation to reflect on how belief translates into action. What does it mean to live life in His name? We often find joy in serving others, sharing the Gospel, and walking alongside our friends and family in faith. The transformative power of belief continuously drives us to grow in our spiritual journey.
Finally, understanding the term “through His name” opens up a realm of possibilities. The name of Jesus represents authority, identity, and hope. Everything we do in His name should mirror His character and mission. As we become vessels of His love in our interactions, we also fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by sharing His message with the world.
Lessons to Learn From John 20:31
There are several valuable lessons we can draw from John 20:31. The first is the importance of belief. Our faith is foundational, acting as the bedrock of our spiritual lives. We must continually nurture our belief in Jesus, turning to scripture, prayer, and fellowship to strengthen that foundation. Our belief will impact our lives and the lives of those around us.
Another lesson is the significance of sharing our faith. As noted in John 20:31, the writings served to encourage belief in Jesus and his role as our Savior. We, too, are called to share the good news with others, just as John did. Consider who in your life might need encouragement or clarity about Jesus. Speaking of our faith might be uncomfortable sometimes, but it could transform someone else’s life.
John 20:31 also captures the essence of accessing life through Jesus. Life with Him is filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Reflecting on our relationship with Christ reveals opportunities for growth, healing, and deep connection. Our experiences with His love and grace shape us into reflections of His image, allowing us to bring light and hope into the lives of others.
Lastly, we are reminded to lean on the authority and power of Jesus’ name. In moments of uncertainty, stress, or doubt, turning to His name offers comfort and reassurance. We should be bold in praying in His name, trusting that His authority can transform situations and heal relationships.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 20:31, we recognize its profound implications for our faith journeys. The call to believe leads us to vibrant, eternal life in Christ. Let us commit to nurturing our belief, sharing our faith, and living lives that reflect our relationship with Jesus. This verse serves as a gateway, reminding us to examine our hearts and live in the fullness of Christ’s promise.
We are encouraged to explore additional passages that can deepen our understanding. For example, consider reading John 7:12 and its insights on judgment and discernment. The more we engage with scripture, the more we grow in our love for God and others. Let us strive to live a life full of faith, hope, and genuine love that transforms not just ourselves but also the world around us.